Get involved

Volunteer with Us

We are keen to hear from people interested in volunteering with us and have a number of roles available.

Please consider the following points and send through your expression of interest HERE.

Corporate Groups are invited to make contact using the above link and we will be in touch.

• Our orientation sessions are conducted monthly and on a Saturday (except December). You will need to register your attendance which can be done after we have received your expression of interest through the above link.
• You need to be over 16 years of age. (Please refer to section below for information about work or practical experience with wildlife.)
• It is recommended you have a current Tetanus immunisation.
• You will need to become a paid up financial member of DRWS. The membership fee for 2022/23 is $80. Included in this fee is a DRWS uniform shirt which should be worn when you are undertaking any tasks on behalf of the Shelter.
• You will need to complete a DRWS and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Parks and Wildlife Service registration form, which will be provided during your orientation.
• In becoming a member of DRWS you will be bound by the rules, policies and procedures of the Association. Such rules include acting respectfully of all volunteers, professionally towards members of the public and upholding humane practice and animal welfare principles within the framework of the law.

Volunteer with us on a Regular Basis

• We will ask you to commit to either a morning or afternoon shift on a weekly or fortnightly basis. We may have some other requirements including whether you can commit to a shift in need (some of our shifts are at capacity and some are in need).
• It is not necessary for you to have extensive experience in caring for wildlife as training will be provided.

Seasonal Membership

• Get a taste for what our volunteers do. Seasonal Members help with food preparation, washing and kitchen duties. Strictly no animal handling.

Maintenance

• Our Maintenance and Improvement Team (MAIT) is often in need of people to undertake mowing and other grounds work. If you think you have a skill we could use please don’t hesitate to contact us through the link above.

Work Experience or Student Placements

UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE AT CAPACITY FOR STUDENT PLACEMENTS FOR 2024

We host many students seeking an opportunity to experience working in an animal care environment. We can, however, only accept a limited number of students.

Please consider the following points if interested in work experience –

• It is more likely you will be considered for a placement if you are able to work a shift on a regular basis rather than request a full week (or two) of hours.
• Our members are all volunteers and are not expected to have a Working with Children Check.
• If you are interested in volunteering as a school student we will need the support and involvement of your school and you will need to be over 14 years of age.

Help our Wildlife

You can be involved in helping wildlife by doing the following:

• Put a bird bath in your garden.
• Plant local native plants on your property or help out local ‘friends of’ on planting days – native plants are water friendly and provide food and shelter. Check out information on the Wildflower Society of WA website. Plant sales are also regularly held by the Friends of Kings Park.
• Keep your cat indoors or build it a secure run. If it does spend some time during the day outside, ensure it wears two bells to warn birdlife and small reptiles when it is around (as many cats can control the sound made-or not-by just one bell).
• Manage your dog’s behaviour by keeping it on a lead at all times during walks, avoid conservation areas marked as not suitable for dogs and consider getting an enclosed dog run if you have a large bush property.
• De-sex your pets and do not dump unwanted domestic pets.
• Avoid using pesticides. For example, if you have an issue with rats please consider these tips to minimise harm to native wildlife: Society for the Preservation of Raptors Fact Sheet.
• Be aware of wildlife when driving. Keep a box, towel and gloves in your car in case you need to rescue wildlife.
• Do not litter. In particular, when fishing, do not leave fish hooks, line, sinkers, plastic bags or any other litter behind. They are a danger to wildlife.